FDLE Arrests Deputy Yousef Hafza On Second Degree Murder Charges

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested of Yousef Hafza, 32, of West Melbourne, on charges of second degree murder with a firearm and attempted second degree murder with a firearm following an alleged road rage incident on Emerson Drive in Palm Bay on June 19. (WMPD image)

“Cases involving a member of your own agency are best facilitated with complete transparency that ensures public trust while also protecting the integrity of the investigation.” – Sheriff Wayne Ivey

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested Yousef Hafza, 32, of West Melbourne, on charges of second degree murder with a firearm and attempted second degree murder with a firearm following an alleged road rage incident on Emerson Drive in Palm Bay on June 19.

Hafza, a deputy with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, was off duty at the time of the incident, did not identify himself as a law enforcement officer and was not acting in a law enforcement capacity.

“Cases involving a member of your own agency are best facilitated with complete transparency that ensures public trust while also protecting the integrity of the investigation,” said Sheriff Wayne Ivey.

“As such, from the very beginning of the incident, I asked FDLE to conduct an independent investigation and present their findings to the State Attorney’s Office for a full review of the facts. Following their review, the State Attorney authorized an arrest warrant, which resulted in Yousef Hafza being charged today by FDLE.

“Pursuant to the arrest, Hafza was immediately suspended from our agency without pay pending an Administrative review of the incident. Once FDLE has completed their investigation, they will provide a copy of the findings, which will furnish the information required to complete the Administrative Investigation.”